'One Voice' for governing the School District of Philadelphia

by Samuel Reed III on Oct 07 2011 Posted in Class notes

In unity there is power. Students, teachers, and parents will test this philosophy when they gather to attend a forum to advocate for having a voice in how the District should be governed.

The forum organized by Ed Voters PA, Public Citizens for Children and Youth, and the Philadelphia Student Union, will take place on Tuesday, October 11 at 5:30 at the United Way Building, 1709 Ben Franklin Parkway.

Maurice Jones of West Philadelphia Coalition of Neighborhood Schools (WPSCNS) and Home & School president of Lea Elementary, Keith Lomax of the Philadelphia Student Union (PSU) and recent graduate South Philadelphia High, and Notebook blogger and Teacher Action Group (TAG) member Samuel Reed, will represent a united front of parents, students, and teachers during this timely panel.

Over the past several weeks “One Voice,” an alliance of concerned organizations have come together to organize, build a power base and create positive change in Philadelphia public schools.

The One Voice alliance includes the following organizations:

• WPCNS

• TAG

• PSU

• Education Voters of Pennsylvania

• Education Advocates Reaching today’s Hardworking Students, Inc. (EARTH)

• Campaign for Nonviolent Schools

• Our City, Our Schools

During the panel, representatives from the One Voice alliance will articulate the following priorities:

1. Adequate and equitable funding is required for all schools.
2. Community leadership in the decision-making is required at all schools and regional District offices.
3. Discipline should be appropriate and respectful to all students, parents, and teachers. 

There is still time to register to attend this event. Visit phillyeducation.eventbrite.com or contact Shanee Garner, shaneeg@pccy.org for more information.

TAG plans to write a guest blog post on the forum proceedings and describe the next steps for the alliance.